Evaluation of protective action of fenugreek, insulin and glimepiride and their combination in diabetic Sprague Dawley rats.

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of fenugreek, insulin and glimepiride alone and their combination in diabetic rat liver. Fifty six male Sprague dawley rats of uniform age were randomly divided into seven groups. Group 1: Non-diabetic control; Group 2: Streptozotocin (40 mg/Kg i/p single dose)-induced diabetic control; Group 3: Insulin (4 U/kg once daily for 8 weeks) treatment in diabetic rats; Group 4: Glimepiride (4 mg/Kg orally once daily for 8 weeks) treatment in diabetic rats; Group 5: Fenugreek seed powder treatment (1 g/kg orally once daily for 8 weeks) in diabetic rats; Group 6: Insulin + Fenugreek seed powder treatment (once daily for 8 weeks) in diabetic rats; Group 7: Glimepiride + Fenugreek seed powder treatment (once daily for 8 weeks) in diabetic rats. Livers were collected at the end of experiment for histopathology and estimation of reduced glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls, glutathione S-transferase (GST), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), Na(+)/K(+) ATPase and Mg(2)+ ATPase, cytochrome P450 (CYP) and glycogen. There was an increase in the concentration of TBARS and protein carbonyls, and decrease in the concentration of GSH and glycogen, and the activity of GST, G6PD, Na(+)/K(+) ATPase and Mg(2)+ ATPase in diabetic livers, while treatment groups showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in the above parameters. The histology of liver revealed marked changes in diabetic rats and mild changes in combination treatment groups. The treatment with fenugreek, insulin and glimepiride improved the liver parameters in diabetic rats and their combination showed a beneficial effect on liver.

Flame synthesis of carbon nano onions using liquefied petroleum gas without catalyst.

Densely agglomerated, high specific surface area carbon nano onions with diameter of 30-40 nm have been synthesized. Liquefied petroleum gas and air mixtures produced carbon nano onions in diffusion flames without catalyst. The optimized oxidant to fuel ratio which produces carbon nano onions has been found to be 0.1 slpm/slpm. The experiment yielded 70% pure carbon nano onions with a rate of 5 g/h. X-ray diffraction, high-resolution electron microscopy and Raman spectrum reveal the densely packed sp(2) hybridized carbon with (002) semi-crystalline hexagonal graphite reflection. The carbon nano onions are thermally stable up to 600 °C.

A stability-indicating ultra-performance liquid chromatographic method for estimation of related substances and degradants in paliperidone active pharmaceutical ingredient and its pharmaceutical dosage forms.

A simple, linear gradient, rapid, precise and stability-indicating analytical method was developed for the estimation of related substances and degradants of paliperidone API and tablets. The chromatographic separations were achieved using an Acquity ultra-performance liquid chromatograph (BEH 100 mm, 2.1 mm, 1.7 µm C-18 column) employing 0.01 M potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (pH 2.0) as mobile phase A and acetonitrile-water (9:1) as mobile phase B. A linear gradient (mobile phase A, mobile phase B in the ratio of 84:16) with a 0.45 mL/min flow rate was chosen. All six impurities were eluted within five minutes of run time. The column temperature was maintained at 25 °C and a detector wavelength of 238 nm was employed. Paliperidone was exposed to thermal, photolytic, hydrolytic and oxidative stress conditions. The stressed samples were analyzed by the proposed method. Considerable degradation of the analyte was observed when it was subjected to oxidative conditions and impurity F was found to be the major degradant. Peak homogeneity data of paliperidone obtained by photodiode array (PDA) detection demonstrated the specificity of the method in the presence of degradants. The method was validated with respect to linearity, precision, accuracy, ruggedness, robustness, limit of detection and limit of quantification.

A study on the toxic effects of Doxorubicin on the histology of certain organs.

In the present study, effect of doxorubicin at 2 mg/kg b.wt. (i/p), alone, once in a wk for 4 wks and in combination with vitamin E at 250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt., orally, daily for 4 wks was evaluated on histological alterations, if any, on heart, liver, kidney, and testes of rats. Doxorubicin alone treated group showed marked congestion and degenerative changes in heart, kidney, liver, and testis. Treatment with vitamin E showed marked improvement in all the degenerative changes, though more protection was observed with the dose of 500 mg/kg.

Lead-induced Hepatotoxicity and Evaluation of Certain Anti-stress Adaptogens in Poultry.

A total of 225 day-old sexed male broiler chicks (Vencobb strain) were divided randomly into 15 groups consisting of 15 chicks in each group to study the toxicity of lead on hepatocytes. Group 1 was maintained on basal diet, group 2 on polyherbal formulation (PHF; stressroak), group 3 on shilajith, group 4 on amla and group 5 on vit E + Se. Group 6 was maintained on lead for 6 weeks and group 7 on lead for 4 weeks and subsequently on basal diet without lead for the remaining 2 weeks. Groups 8, 9, 10 and 11 were given lead along with PHF, shilajith, amla and vit E + Se, respectively, throughout 6 weeks. Groups 12, 13, 14 and 15 were given lead containing diet for the first 4 weeks and subsequently treated with PHF, shilajith, amla and vit E + Se, respectively, for the remaining 2 weeks. The activity of alanine transaminase (ALT) was significantly (P<0.05) increased in the toxic control groups at the end of 4(th) week as compared to group 1. However, following treatment, there was a significant (P<0.05) reversal in groups 12-15. The activity of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, Ca(2+)ATPase, Mg(2+)ATPase and CYP(450) was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in the liver of toxic control groups 6 and 7 as compared to groups1 through 5, which had the maximum activity of all the groups. Groups 8 through 15 revealed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the activity of these hepatocytic enzymes. The histological sections of the liver in lead toxic control (group 6) showed moderate focal lymphoid aggregates in liver, whereas the lesions were mild to moderate in treated groups and there were no observable lesions in plain control groups. The study revealed protective effect of PHF (stressroak), shilajith, amla and vit E + Se in lead-induced hepatocytic damage.

Oxidative stress induced by lead and antioxidant potential of certain adaptogens in poultry.

Effect of lead was studied for its action on antioxidant defense in broilers. A total of 225 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Vencobb strain) were divided randomly into 15 groups consisting of 15 chicks in each group. Group 1 was maintained on basal diet, group 2 on polyherbal formulation (PHF; stressroak), group 3 on shilajit, group 4 on amla, and group 5 on vitamin E + selenium (Se). Group 6 was maintained on lead for 42 days (6 weeks) and group 7 on lead for 28 days and subsequently on basal diet without lead for the remaining two weeks. Groups 8, 9, 10, and 11 were given lead along with PHF, shilajit, amla, and vitamin E + Se, respectively throughout the experiment for 6 weeks. Groups 12, 13, 14, and 15 were given lead containing diet for the first four weeks (28 days) and subsequently treated with PHF, shilajit, amla, and vitamin E + Se, respectively for the remaining two weeks. Antioxidant status of the birds was analyzed by assaying blood samples for glutathione (GSH) peroxidase, GSH reductase, and catalase at the end of fourth and sixth weeks, whereas Thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) and GSH concentrations were estimated in liver homogenate at the end of the sixth week. The antioxidant defense parameters were significantly altered in toxic control groups indicating the possible oxidative damage caused by lead, whereas the parameters were normal in control groups 1 to 5 and other groups that were given the drugs in test, indicating their good ameliorating activity in oxidative stress.

Sero-biochemical Studies in Sheep Fed with Bt Cotton Plants.

An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the toxicological effects, if any, due to feeding of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton plants to sheep. A total of 32 sheep of one year of age belonging to Deccani breed were randomly divided into four groups, consisting of eight sheep in each group. Group 1 was maintained on basal diet (concentrate feed at the rate of 300 g + green fodder at the rate of 3 kg/sheep/day), group 2 on non-Bt cotton plant at the rate of 1.5 kg + green fodder at the rate of 1.5 kg + concentrate feed at the rate of 300 g/sheep/day, group 3 on Bt cotton plants (50%) at the rate of 1.5 kg + green fodder at the rate of 1.5 + concentrate feed at the rate of 300 g/sheep/day, and group 4 on Bt cotton plants ad libitum + concentrate feed at the rate of 300 g/sheep/day. All the groups of sheep were maintained for three months and various hemato-biochemical parameters were studied at monthly intervals. The activity of aspartate transaminase, gamma glutamyltransferase, and creatine kinase in sera samples, and the concentration of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine did not differ significantly among different groups at different time intervals. The histological examination of liver and kidney did not reveal any significant changes in Bt and non-Bt cotton-fed groups. In conclusion, the results of the present investigation enunciated that feeding of genetically modified (Bt) cotton plants to sheep was without detrimental effects in the biological system of sheep.

Oxidative Stress Induced by Diclofenac Alone and under the Influence of Certain Variables in Broilers.

Diclofenac toxicity was studied in male broiler chicks (Cobb strain) of a day old age. The chicks were randomly divided into eight groups consisting of 10 in each group. Group 1 was kept as basal diet control (1-32 days), group 2 on basal diet for 32 days + diclofenac (0.8 mg/kg body weight I/M) on day 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32, group 3 on basal diet for 32 days + cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg body weight I/M once daily) from day 20 to 23, group 4 on high-protein, high-calcium, low vitamin A (HPHC) diet (1-32 days), group 5 on basal diet + diclofenac + cyclophosphamide (as per the schedule), group 6 on HPHC + diclofenac (as per the schedule), group 7 on HPHC + cyclophosphamide (as per the schedule), and group 8 on HPHC + diclofenac + cyclophosphamide (as per the schedule). The activity of TBARS, SOD, and catalase revealed a significant (P< 0.05) increase, while there was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the concentration of GSH in liver in the groups given diclofenac either alone or in combination with other variables. There was no significant difference in the diclofenac residue levels. The electron microscopy of liver revealed lesions of mild to marked severity in different combinations. It can be concluded that diclofenac has the toxic potential in poultry at subtherapeutic doses and further the toxic effects were more pronounced under the influence of immunosuppressants and HPHC diet.

Environmental modeling, technology, and communication for land falling tropical cyclone/hurricane prediction.

Katrina (a tropical cyclone/hurricane) began to strengthen reaching a Category 5 storm on 28th August, 2005 and its winds reached peak intensity of 175 mph and pressure levels as low as 902 mb. Katrina eventually weakened to a category 3 storm and made a landfall in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, Gulf of Mexico, south of Buras on 29th August 2005. We investigate the time series intensity change of the hurricane Katrina using environmental modeling and technology tools to develop an early and advanced warning and prediction system. Environmental Mesoscale Model (Weather Research Forecast, WRF) simulations are used for prediction of intensity change and track of the hurricane Katrina. The model is run on a doubly nested domain centered over the central Gulf of Mexico, with grid spacing of 90 km and 30 km for 6 h periods, from August 28th to August 30th. The model results are in good agreement with the observations suggesting that the model is capable of simulating the surface features, intensity change and track and precipitation associated with hurricane Katrina. We computed the maximum vertical velocities (W(max)) using Convective Available Kinetic Energy (CAPE) obtained at the equilibrium level (EL), from atmospheric soundings over the Gulf Coast stations during the hurricane land falling for the period August 21-30, 2005. The large vertical atmospheric motions associated with the land falling hurricane Katrina produced severe weather including thunderstorms and tornadoes 2-3 days before landfall. The environmental modeling simulations in combination with sounding data show that the tools may be used as an advanced prediction and communication system (APCS) for land falling tropical cyclones/hurricanes.

Sonochemical degradation of 2chloro-5methyl phenol assisted by TiO2 and H2O2.

The degradation of 2chloro-5methyl phenol (2C-5MP) in aqueous solution by ultrasonication (US) in the presence of TiO(2) and H(2)O(2) has been studied. Maximum degradation rate of 2.66 x 10(-2) was achieved by US/TiO(2)/H(2)O(2) process when compared to US/TiO(2) (1.01 x 10(-2)) and US/H(2)O(2) (5.5 x 10(-3)) systems. The effect of inorganic ions on degradation rate of 2C-5 MP were found to be in the order of Cl(-)>SO(4)(2-)>HPO(4)(2-)>HCO(3)(-). Further, the impact of synthetic additives like CCl(4) as hydrogen radical scavenger and CH(3)OH as hydroxyl radical scavenger on US were studied which confirmed the involvement of hydroxyl radicals in the degradation of 2C-5 MP. Kinetic studies revealed that the degradation process followed pseudo-first-order mechanism with the correlation coefficient (R(2)) of 0.9913 under experimental conditions.

Thermophilic treatment of bulk drug pharmaceutical industrial wastewaters by using hybrid up flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor.

The hybrid up flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor was evaluated for efficacy in reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of bulk drug pharmaceutical wastewater under different operational conditions. The start-up of the reactor feed came entirely with glucose, applied at an organic loading rate (OLR) 1 kg COD/m(3) d. Then the reactor was studied at different OLRs ranging from 2 to 11 kg COD/m(3)d with pharmaceutical wastewater. The optimum OLR was found to be 9 kg COD/m(3)d, where we found 65-75% COD and 80-94% of BOD reduction with biogas production containing 60-70% of methane and specific methanogenic activity was 320 ml CH(4)/g-VSS d. By the characterization studies of effluent using GC-MS, the hazardous compounds like phenol, l,2-methoxy phenol, 2,4,6-trichloro phenol, dibutyl phthalate, 1-bromo naphthalene, carbamazepine and antipyrine were present. After the treatment, these compounds degraded almost completely except carbamazepine. Thermophilic methanothrix and methanosaetae like bacteria are present in the granular sludge.

Thermophilic degradation of phenolic compounds in lab scale hybrid up flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors.

This Study describes the feasibility of anaerobic degradation of United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) listed 4-chloro-2-nitrophenol (4C-2-NP), 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol (2C-4-NP), 2-chloro-5-methylphenol (2C-5-MP) from a simulated wastewater using four identical 7L bench scale hybrid up flow anaerobic sludge blankets (HUASBs) at five different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) under thermophilic condition (55+/-3 degrees C). The substrate to co-substrate ratios were maintained between 1:33.3 and 1:166.6. Continuous monitoring of parameters like pH, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) accumulation, oxidation reduction potential, chemical oxygen demand (COD), alkalinity, gas productions, methane percentages were carried out along with compound reduction to asses the efficiency of biodegradation. The compound reduction was estimated by using spectrophotometric methods and further validated with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Optimum HRT values were observed at 24h. Optimum ratio of substrate (phenolic compounds) to co-substrate (glucose) was 1:100. Scanning electron micrographs show that the granules were composed of thermophilic Methanobrevibacter and thermophilic Methanothrix like bacteria.

(3S,4R)-4-(4-Fluoro-phen-yl)-3-(hydroxy-meth-yl)piperidinium chloride.

The title compound, C(12)H(17)FNO(+)·Cl(-), is a degradation impurity of paroxetine hydro-chloride hemihydrate (PAXIL), an anti-depressant belonging to the group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Similar to the paroxetine hydro-chloride salt with protonation having taken place on the basic piperidine ring, the degradation impurity also exists as the hydro-chloride salt. The cyclic six-membered piperidinium ring adopts a chair conformation with the hydroxy-methyl and 4-fluoro-phenyl groups in the equatorial positions. The ions form a tape along the b axis through charge-assisted N(+)-H⋯Cl(-) hydrogen bonds; these tapes are connected by O-H⋯Cl(-) hydrogen bonds along the a axis.

Removal of arsenic from wastewaters using electrocoagulation.

The performance of electrocoagulation method with aluminium, iron and hybrid Al/Fe sacrificial anodes in the treatment of arsenite [As(III)] and arsenate [As(V)] in pharmaceutical industrial effluents was investigated. Several working parameters, such as pH, current density, contact time and metal ion concentration, were studied in attempt to achieve optimum removal efficiency. The results obtained with synthetic samples revealed that the most effective removal of arsenite [As(III)] and arsenate [As(V)] can be achieved when the pH increased, whereas when there was increase in current density from 0.0082 to 0.0816 mA cm(-1) the treatment rate was improved. The removal efficiency was quite high using iron sacrificial electrodes compared to aluminium and hybrid Al/Fe electrodes. By using this treatment method, a pharmaceutical industrial wastewater containing 28 ppm of As was removed to a level of 0.005 ppm within 15 min. This method was found efficient, relatively fast and clean compared to other conventional methods, such as chemical coagulation.

Techniques for the evaluation of maturity for composts of industrially contaminated lake sediments.

Composting was applied as a bioremediation methodology for the reclamation of dredged sediments of Isnapur, Khazipally and Gandigudem lakes polluted with industrial wastes. The present study is an attempt to elaborate upon organic matter transformations and define the parameters for product maturity adapting chemical and spectroscopic methods during composting. The stability and maturity of sediments were evaluated by assessing parameters like C/N ratio, nitrification index (NH(4)-N/NO(3)-N), water-soluble organic carbon concentration, CO(2) evolution rate, cation exchange capacity and indices such as humification index, E4/E6 ratio, compost mineralization index (ash content/oxidizable carbon), germination index, dehydrogenase, polyphenoloxidase activities and FTIR spectroscopy. The results showed that the changes in the above chemical and biological parameters can be employed as reliable indicators of stability and maturity. The FTIR spectra revealed enrichment in the aromatic groups and a degradation of the aliphatic groups indicating stabilization of the final compost.

Comparison of various advanced oxidation processes for the degradation of 4-chloro-2 nitrophenol.

In the present study an attempt is made efficiently to degrade USEPA listed 4-chloro-2-nitrophenol (4C-2-NP), widely available in bulk drug and pesticide wastes using various advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). A comparative assessment using various AOPs (UV, H(2)O(2,) UV/H(2)O(2), Fenton, UV/Fenton and UV/TiO(2)) was attempted after initial optimization studies, viz., varying pH, peroxide concentration, iron concentration, and TiO(2) loading. The degradation of the study compound was estimated using chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction and compound reduction using spectrophotometric methods and further validated with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The degradation trends followed the order: UV/Fenton > UV/TiO(2) > UV/H(2)O(2) > Fenton > H(2)O(2) > UV(.) It can be inferred from the studies that UV/Fenton was the most effective in partial mineralization of 4C-2-NP. However, lower costs were obtained with H(2)O(2). Kinetic constants were evaluated using first order equations to determine the rate constant K.

Real time remote monitoring of air pollutants and their online transmission to the web using internet protocol.

Recent advances in both information and sensor technologies have enabled the development of Real Time Remote Monitoring (RTRM) capabilities for environmental management. An online and real time remote monitoring system for air pollution has been designed and installed at a traffic police station at Punjagutta in Hyderabad, India. The system is optimized using electrochemical sensors and a real time particulate matter analyzer. The system also monitors meteorological parameters such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, barometric pressure, wind speed and wind direction. The system periodically monitors both pollution and meteorological parameters at pre- programmed intervals of [Formula: see text] hr during peak periods and 1 hr during non peak periods of the day and continuously uploads to a predestinated web site (www.appcb.org/home.htm) using File Transfer Protocol. The web site renders a quick, simple and graphical display of air pollution levels and meteorological parameters and their significance to humans. The present paper highlights design considerations of a pollution monitoring system, system hardware and software requirements and practical limitations and future directions for real time remote monitoring of air pollution.

Studies of mercury pollution in a lake due to a thermometer factory situated in a tourist resort: Kodaikkanal, India.

Kodaikkanal, India, suffered mercury contamination due to emissions and waste from a thermometer factory. Kodai Lake is situated to the north of the factory. The present study determined mercury in waters, sediment and fish samples and compared the values with those from two other lakes, Berijam and Kukkal. Total mercury (Hg(T)) of 356-465 ng l(-1), and 50 ng l(-1) of mercury in methyl mercury form were seen in Kodai waters while Berijam and Kukkal waters showed significantly lower values. Kodai sediment showed 276-350 mg/kg Hg(T) with about 6% methyl mercury. Berijam and Kukkal sediments showed Hg(T) of 189-226 mg/kg and 85-91 mg/kg and lower methylation at 3-4% and 2%, respectively. Hg(T) in fish from Kodai lake ranged from 120 to 290 mg/kg. The results show that pollution of the lake has taken place due to mercury emissions by the factory.

Comparative toxicity studies in birds using nimesulide and diclofenac sodium.

Nimesulide, a sulfonanilide derivative, was compared with diclofenac sodium for toxicity in poultry. In this study, Vanaraja and PB1 birds of 6 weeks old (either sex) were mixed and equally divided into 5 groups of 10 birds each. The birds were inoculated with nimesulide, @ 5 and 2mg; vehicle @ 0.5ml; and diclofenac sodium @ 5mg on kg bwt basis. One group served as untreated control. All the groups were observed for a period of 28days. Forty percent mortality was observed within 12 days in diclofenac-treated group. While birds inoculated with nimesulide remained normal. No significant differences in the weight gain, haematology, total protein contents in the nimesulide and diclofenac groups (survived birds) were observed when compared with the control group of birds. Serum creatinine, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly (P<0.05) high in diclofenac-treated group compared to nimesulide (P>0.05) and control groups. Nimesulide-treated groups did not show any histopathological lesions, where as diclofenac-treated birds showed histopathological lesions in liver and kidney.

X-ray powder diffraction patterns for certain beta-lactam, tetracycline and macrolide antibiotic drugs.

X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) data for eight beta-lactam viz., ampicillin sodium, ampicillin trihydrate, penicillin G procaine, benzathine penicillin, benzyl penicillin sodium, cefalexin, cefotaxime sodium and ceftriaxone sodium; three tetracyclines viz., doxycycline hydrochloride, oxytetracycline dihydrate and tetracycline hydrochloride; and two macrolide viz., azithromycin and erythromycin estolate antibiotic drugs were obtained using a powder diffractometer. The drugs were scanned from Bragg angles (2theta) of 10 degrees to 70 degrees. The obtained data were tabulated in terms of the lattice spacing (A) and relative line intensities (I/I(I)). This new information may be useful for identifying these drugs from confiscated materials, which has been frequently encountered in forensic laboratories.